Chinese Lunar New Year boosts economy in North West

Remarks were made by Social Development MEC, Basetsana Dantjie, who represented the provincial government, during the celebrations of the Chinese Lunar New Year at Sun City, outside Rustenburg. The beginning of Chinese New Year was on the 29th of January, but festivities were held on Saturday.

This year’s event coincides with the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the South Africa-China diplomatic relationship.

Dantjie says the strategic partnership between China and South Africa is benefiting the economy of the province.

“This relationship and diplomatic engagement with China has helped a lot. A lot has been improving the hospitality and where we are is the heartbeat of tourism in the North West province. You can see when you go to OR Tambo Airport you see a lot of Chinese people just go there they will just take kombis and come to Sun City and other parts of the North West province,” says Dantjie. 

Meanwhile, Sun City Resort General Manager Brett Hoppe believes the relaxation of visa regulations for Chinese tourists through the implementation of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme is a major boost to the tourism sector.

“We are now back in significant job territory. But any markets that we can add can grow significantly. And China is one of those markets that can grow significantly by virtue of the volumes, which is super exciting and super important for the country. Post-elections, I think we have had a little bit of a rocky tide and of course this stability and job creations are key to the country as a whole,” says Hoppe.

Hundreds of Chinese celebrate Lunar New Year at Sun City: